Fauziya Abul , Fowzia Abul

“NATIONAL HARMONY” - is it an exceptional necessity or one of the ingredients for continued cooperation and coexistence among the people of a country?This term has been widely used in the recent years. It has emerged as the core concept in many countries worldwide.To some, the concept of “national harmony” is a joke and they undervalue its role. On the other hand, others believe harmony means tolerance, acceptance of others, mutual respect and acceptance of varied opinions. All these are the key factors for ensuring liberality, social stability and actual development as well as consolidation of concepts of understanding and tolerance.In reality, even in countries that enjoy security and political stability to a certain level, complex disputes can be seen over a certain aspect of the political course, or over local issues and economic demands. Even disputes between the youth circles and the decision-makers can be witnessed there.In such cases among many others, the need for dialogue should exist by default especially when a problem occurs, or when a positive initiative results in divided opinions over ways to implement such an initiative or over the beneficiaries and those who impacted by it, etc.In Kuwait, the calls to review nationalism situation emerged in the recent years. However, some consider such efforts as unworthy due to various reasons, while some others see their importance due to the ongoing major disputes that provoke agitation among people. They wonder whether national harmony is an all-time calling or only needed when there is a crisis.The experiences of the region and beyond have proven the importance of facing challenges and finding common factors as well as working on moving past the chaos and division. The initiative to settle crises should be based on consolidating the political situation with dialogue, reconciliation, tolerance and mutual respect.Dialogue and conformity are supposed to cement the new period without any previous negativity and chaos, in a manner that encourages noble competition. If not, the other option is to let matters take a negative turn, which will end up cementing hatred and leaving behind a heavy burden of failure. Such a failure would create a closed horizon which will affect any new turn that is taken. This will in turn have dire impact on the local scene, as well as on the state and its institutions.Therefore, our political or opinion differences with others do not serve as justification for rejecting the concept of national harmony, which would support stability and the public welfare.We are heading towards a critical political phase that requires wisdom to maneuver in it. This is because no one can guarantee that the previous disputes will not reemerge, let alone the fact that such disputes continue to cross our minds.Indeed, there have been mistakes in the past and counter mistakes from all concerned parties; however, there is immense benefit in closing such files for good rather than reopening them.The coming period needs more cooperation in order to ensure harmonious atmosphere among several forces and factions in the country. It should be governed by the Constitution and laws of this country. There should be increased respect for the constitutional institutions, and enhanced reverence of the state and its organs.Most important of all is to sublimate and benefit from the past lessons and mistakes.By Fauziya Abul